Briefing the president for the first time was a “daunting” experience, said Marla Salmon, ScD, RN, FAAN. During her 1991-97 term as director of the Division of Nursing, Department of Health and Human Services, she met with former U.S. President Bill Clinton to discuss nursing’s role in improving health care.
After giving her rehearsed presentation, Salmon discovered that she and the president had something in common. That connection “totally changed the nature of the conversation,” she said.
Salmon related the story of her meeting with Clinton during an interview with Robert Fraser at the 2009 Biennial Convention of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International. Watch two-minute video clip to learn about the connection between Salmon and Clinton.
- Why etiquette and civility in relationships are important
- How “awful” moments in life can provide rich learning experiences
- Why values and perspective are fundamental to nursing
- How she managed to attend a World Health Organization assembly while still a nursing student
Marla Salmon is the Robert G. and Jean A. Reid Dean in Nursing and professor in psychosocial and community health at the University of Washington School of Nursing and holds a joint appointment as a professor in global health. RNL
